In this installment of City Highlights, we will explore the historic downtown area of Denver, Co.  There is so much to see and do here that you will need to set aside a whole day to explore when you visit.

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Denver got its start as a rough and ready frontier town in the early 1800’s when gold was discovered on the banks of the South Platte River.  Due to the advent of railroads in 1870, the “Pikes Peak or Bust” gold rush, its location between the east and west coast and a silver strike in the late 1800’s, the city boomed and soon became the third largest city in the US.  A steady stream of well-to-do travelers from all over the country, who expected only the best of lodging and food, came along with the rapid growth.  Many of the hotels constructed in this era still stand and thrive giving us a glimpse of this golden age of the city.

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Let’s begin our tour with the newest showpiece of the heart of Denver, the more than 100-year-old Union Station.   When you step through any of the lofty entrances, you will see that history got a makeover. The soaring Great Hall space pays homage to a pioneer spirit while embracing a modern sensibility. with its various unique shops, restaurants and the Crawford Hotel.  It has restored historic details such as 65-foot ceilings, stories-high soaring windows and stunning chandeliers.

 

The original station was built in 1881 but, sadly burned in 1894.  Renovation began in 2012. The station we see today was built in 1914 in the Beaux Arts style, and still serves as the transportation hub for Denver with access to Rapid Transportations Denver’s bus service, the free 16th Street Mall shuttle, the free Downtown Denver Circulator, the FasTrack’s light rail line and the Amtrak trains.  You truly can go anywhere from this spot.

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The Crawford Hotel is perched above the iconic Great Hall. It is a luxurious oasis within a storied landmark. With all of the station’s acclaimed food, drink and diversions just below the hotel – and the enticements of downtown Denver right at the door – The Crawford is a playful, yet elegant refuge within an ever-changing city.  Scheduled tours of the hotel are available on Mondays. When at the station you should really try to put aside ample time to enjoy the unique shops and restaurants.  Snooze is a must do for breakfast or brunch. 

 

Anyone interested in the history and renovation of downtown Denver must give homage to Dana Hudkins Crawford.  A Kansas native who lived for many years in Boston, she has been driving force behind the restoration and revitalization of the area since the 1960’s.  In her capacity as an architectural conservation developer, she has been involved in nearly every renovation project including the LODO district, Union Station and Larimer Square.  Denver owes its current prosperity and popularity as a tourism destination in great part to her stamina and courage.

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Let’s explore further.  Hopefully you are fed and ready for more adventures. The lower downtown (LODO) area is very walkable and easy to see all of the sites and enjoy food and drink in various restaurants and lounges all along the way.

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The 16th Street Mall, a milelong tree-lined pedestrian walk was built in 1982 of red and gray granite.  It runs through the center of downtown and sports outdoor cafes, restaurants, retail shops and a variety of architecture running the gamut from renovated historic buildings to sparkling glass-walled skyscrapers. Several plazas host daily special events and entertainments. There is a free shuttle bus service that operates seven days a week.

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The Dairy Block is an historic block enjoying a revival.  located in downtown Denver’s LODO’s bustling downtown neighborhood, it was once home to Windsor Dairy and is now a vibrant micro-district that boasts 15 shops, 19 restaurants, seven bars, a luxury working space, and The Maven, a 172-room bold boutique hotel. From the enticing atmosphere of The Alley to the local culinary concepts at Denver Milk Market—Dairy Block comes to life the more you explore.

 

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Larimer Square in the LODO district, Denver’s oldest and most historic block and a revitalization project led by Dana Crawford, is home to elegant Victorian era buildings.  Those buildings are today home to trendy shops, restaurants and lounges.  Lit by a canopy of tiny sparkling lights every evening, there is a wonderful atmosphere of congeniality and wonder to the area.

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The Colorado State Capital Building is intentionally reminiscent of the US Capital building in Washington, DC. it was constructed in the 1890s from Colorado white granite, and opened for use in November 1894. The distinctive gold dome consists of real gold leaf, that was first added in 1908, commemorating the Colorado Gold Rush. The building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places is part of the Civic Center area.

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The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa is one of the remaining gems of the golden age.  Built in 1892 in the Italian Renaissance style, the hotel began its life as an upscale resting place to accommodate the folks who were flocking to the west in search of gold and silver.  The Brown has a very distinctive triangular shape and is eight stories high with a soaring atrium at its center. Its elegance rivaled anything in New York or in Europe.  Over the years, the 241-room landmark became Denver's "go-to" hotel for the rich and famous, hosting numerous presidents, various kings and royalty, the "unsinkable" Molly Brown and The Beatles.  This is the perfect place to stop for a while and have afternoon tea. The tea itself is shipped to the hotel from Devon, England.  Handmade pastries, scones and tea sandwiches are available for your pleasure while you listen to the soft sounds of the grand piano in the atrium.

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Magnolia Hotel Denver is located in the First National Bank/American National Bank building, which was constructed in 1911 and is famous for being one of Denver's first skyscrapers. One of the city’s first boutique hotels, it underwent a major, multi-year renovation in 2019 that touched all spaces and created additional guest rooms. During the renovation, the original bank vault was uncovered behind a wall and now stands as a focal point in one of the meeting rooms. Found at the intersection of timeless elegance and modern luxury,

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The Oxford Hotel, built in 1891, is the most historic of the hotels in downtown.  It has been an important part of the area since its beginnings.in the Golden Age.  Renovations over the years plus a two-story addition in 1902 have kept it fresh and in style as the city has changed over the years.  In the bustling heart of the “LoDo” district, guests feel taken back to a simpler, more quaint point in time where refined comfort and exceptional service are the standard.

 

This gives you a small taste of the rare treats in store on a visit to historic downtown Denver.  There is still so much more to explore and hopefully this will inspire you to book a trip to this fascinating city.  There is art, music, a sports complex and tons of food and drink to be had here.  The front range of mountains are always in view and waiting for you.  Come visit soon.